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Vintage Football in Rock Island – Where it all began!

Last summer when my 38-year-old my husband told me he was looking into playing football again, I was a bit concerned. When he clarified it was a flag football game in Rock Island’s Douglas Park commemorating the first NFL game, I was intrigued.

When we attended the event and cheered the Moline Universal Tractors (MUTs) to victory – I became a true fan of the annual Quad Cities Vintage Football Game. This year the annual event is being hosted on the front lawn of the historical Hauberg Estate in Rock Island.

Go for the history.
If you haven’t read the history of Rock Island’s Douglas Park and the games that were the foundation of today’s National Football League (in fact, the first NFL game was played here in Rock Island) – well, you need to! From the Rock Island vs Moline rivalry that launched professional football games to the hall of fame legends that played their first games in Rock Island, Quad Cities football is a story you’ll want to know about — and experience.

Stay for the fun.Played in 1920’s uniforms and by the rules of the past, the refs and players will “re-learn” the game. In fact, even fans are given cheat-sheets to help with the old rules. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to cheer on the Rock Island Independent’s (one of the founding teams in the NFL) and the Moline Universal Tractors. Local guys play on the teams in a true spirit of vintage football.

Other 1920’s fun will join the football game including era appropriate automobiles, a jazz band, and even a Moline Universal Tractor. Additionally, there will be tours available of The Hauberg House as well as children’s games for younger viewers.

Refreshments will be available from Happy Joe’s Pizza, Bent River Brewing, and Rock Island Hy-Vee.

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About the author

Meghan Cooley
Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for a the Quad City Mom's Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A.and Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.
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